Some local authorities are in partnership with the Alliance for Lifelong Learning to assess the Quality Mark. You need to visit the tab named Application Process to find out if your LA is part of the partnership or whether the Alliance of Lifelong is managing provision of Quality Mark in your area. If you have any questions, please do feel free to contact us on 0117 311 5266.

How can I find out if my local authority is in the partnership?

The Quality Mark database contains the list of all the local authorities who are in partnership with us and will be listed as just the name of the authority or as "Alliance - name of LA" in the drop down box for Local Authority contacts. If the LA is not in partnership, they will be listed as "Alliance - name of LA".

What happens if my LA is NOT in the partnership?

Your school will still be able to apply for the Quality Mark as we provide assessments in these areas. Please visit the Application Process tab to find out more information.

What is the application procedure?

You need to contact your local authority and discuss the application process with them as this differs between authorities. The contact details are available on the QM database. If your LA is not in partnership please contact us.

The award is valid for three years. Within some authorities you may receive regular support and/or visits. In Alliance Authorities, you will receive an interim support and review visits 18 months after your renewal assessment to discuss feedback points from your previous assessment visit.

How much does it cost to apply for the Quality Mark?

If your local authority is providing the award, you will need to contact them to discuss this as it will vary. If you come under an authority where we manage the award directly then please visit the Alliance Authorities tab in the Application Process section for more specific details regarding the costs involved.

How do I renew the Quality Mark?

The Quality Mark team will contact your school or setting and local authority six months before the renewal date to alert you. You will need to discuss your renewal with the QM contact for the authority, or with the Alliance if your authority is not in partnership, to arrange a time for the renewal assessment. At this assessment you will still need to meet the ten elements and you will also have to show developments that have taken place in the three years and provide evidence of impact.

Can Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) apply for the Quality Mark?

Yes they can. The Quality Mark you apply for will depend on the age range of the pupils.

Any middle school is deemed either primary or secondary. If you are deemed secondary, you apply for the secondary award, but you do not have to meet the criteria for element 6.

Which Quality Mark should a special school apply for?

This will depend on the age and nature of the pupils in your school. An all-through special school can apply for both awards if they feel that they can meet the criteria for all elements. If it is more appropriate to their pupils, they can apply for the primary award.

What do we receive when we have achieved the award for the first time?

Your setting or school will receive a certificate and plaque for display; an additional plaque can be purchased from Tribal shop or by e-mailing us at
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. Please visit the Tribal Shop if you would like to place an order online for an additional plaque. There are also letters that can be sent to the parents explaining what the school has achieved. You can request a copy of the QM logo from the e-mail address above.

How much are the Quality Mark materials?

Electronic versions of booklets and logos are free when downloaded; hard copies of Guidance Booklets come at a charge of £7.05 and the plaques £25.20, which include postage, packaging and VAT. Replacement certificates are available free of charge and can be requested via email.

Can we use the logo on our letterhead?

Yes you can. The logo should be used in the colours specified, or in black and white. It can also be used on your school prospectus, in job advertisements, and on your intranet system or web site. A copy of the logo can be sent to you by e-mailing
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and requesting one. Please include the full name of your provider if possible.

Is there a limit to the size the logo can be displayed at?

The logo can be used at any size provided the dimensions are maintained.